- Joined
- Dec 31, 2007
- Messages
- 421
I've long looked with admiration and lust at the fine slippies that Mark Laramie puts up in the custom makers gallery. I started talking to him several months ago about doing a knife for me. After lots of vacillating on my part we agreed on details and a budget. I was very surprised at how quickly he was able to make my knife, which arrived today.
And I didn't get just a knife, but a complete package. It included a very nicely done soft leather pouch, and a large format card with the specifications of the knife, which also certifies its authenticity.
I told mark that the quality of materials was very important to me, and that I knew his execution would be great. Other than that, I left him alone (mostly). We decided on a single blade trapper, and Mark found the stunning Larry Donnelly damascus and Mike Sakmar mokume, which he finished off with antique ivory scales. The liners are nickel-silver.
You can see the quality of his craftsmanship in the 3" blade, you can't feel the great balance. The knife weighs in at 4 oz, and feels great in my hand.
There were some very pleasant surprises in the knife, most notable to me is that Mark used the same damascus on the backstrap. I think this adds a lot to the look of the back. He did a great job of filing the liner, and I am extremely happy with the pattern and execution.
I don't think I need to say anything about the materials. They are all obviously top-drawer and beautiful. They do look much better in person than in my pictures.
The fit is superb, as is the finish. I haven't had a single bladed slippie since I was a kid, and was surprised at the firm snap with which the blade opened and shut after the half-stop. The spring is strong.
And since this is my only slipjoint, i may be leaving out some important quality. If so, please ask.
I will say that the knife was worth everything I paid, that Mark was very easy and pleasant to work with. I've always wanted a "gentleman's knife". This was worth waiting for.
Thanks, Mark.
And I didn't get just a knife, but a complete package. It included a very nicely done soft leather pouch, and a large format card with the specifications of the knife, which also certifies its authenticity.
I told mark that the quality of materials was very important to me, and that I knew his execution would be great. Other than that, I left him alone (mostly). We decided on a single blade trapper, and Mark found the stunning Larry Donnelly damascus and Mike Sakmar mokume, which he finished off with antique ivory scales. The liners are nickel-silver.
You can see the quality of his craftsmanship in the 3" blade, you can't feel the great balance. The knife weighs in at 4 oz, and feels great in my hand.
There were some very pleasant surprises in the knife, most notable to me is that Mark used the same damascus on the backstrap. I think this adds a lot to the look of the back. He did a great job of filing the liner, and I am extremely happy with the pattern and execution.
I don't think I need to say anything about the materials. They are all obviously top-drawer and beautiful. They do look much better in person than in my pictures.
The fit is superb, as is the finish. I haven't had a single bladed slippie since I was a kid, and was surprised at the firm snap with which the blade opened and shut after the half-stop. The spring is strong.
And since this is my only slipjoint, i may be leaving out some important quality. If so, please ask.
I will say that the knife was worth everything I paid, that Mark was very easy and pleasant to work with. I've always wanted a "gentleman's knife". This was worth waiting for.
Thanks, Mark.
